WALES v ARGENTINA (Tomorrow, KO 2.30)
IT ISN’T just the formidable Argentine scrum that Wales have to look out for at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow – they will have to stand firm in the face of an aerial bombardment.
The Pumas have plumped for three notable kicking options in their team – Juan Martin Hernandez at full-back, Felipe Contemponi at inside centre and Nicolas Sanchez at fly-half.
Wings Gonzalo Camacho and Juan Imhoff will be charged with chasing hard and putting the pressure onto the Wales back three of Leigh Halfpenny, George North and Alex Cuthbert.
Putting up bombs was a prominent tactic in the Pumas’ terrific World Cup campaign in 2007, when they finished third with Hernandez in inspired form.
They’ve stuck to their guns in recent years and use of the boot – combined with a strong pack and rugged backs – was a feature of their campaign in the inaugural Rugby Championship against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
Wing North, who has scored 11 tries in 24 international appearances, knows that his impact won’t be limited to having ball on hand.
“Argentina’s backs put their hands up in the Rugby Championship,” said North.
“They put up a big fight and we are prepared for a really physical match. They are going to test our aerial skills and try and put us under pressure (under the high ball) but we have been working hard on that side of the game.
“And with a back line of our size and shape we are confident that we can compete with them there and turn the pressure back onto them.
“We want to be physical and that’s exactly what we are going to get this autumn with Argentina and Samoa up first and then New Zealand and Australia.”
And the imposing figure of 20-year-old North has been causing the Pumas to have restless nights.
His Scarlets teammate Tomas Vallejos, who arrived in West Wales last month, said: “George is a big player, the thing that surprised me is he is a massive guy and he is physical, but he also has skills and it makes him a very special player.
“I will be telling some of our guys in the backline we need to keep a close eye on him.”
North has been in impressive form at regional level, crossing for seven tries in six RaboDirect Pro12 games.
Fellow wing Alex Cuthbert has also been running them in for Cardiff Blues, including a Heineken Cup hat-trick at Sale, and the Scarlets flyer hopes they maintain their hot streak on the international stage.
“It’s always things when things are going well and that’s been the case for both me personally and the region.
“It’s good for Wales that a lot of our backs are playing well and hopefully we can exploit the gaps and the spaces this autumn.”
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